BLACKPOOL chairman Karl Oyston has apologised to the fan he called a "retard".

Stephen Smith said he was involved in a heated text exchange row with Oyston.

In one of the texts, which have been published on the Tangerine Knights supporters' group's website, Oyston is alleged to have called Smith "a retard" and told him to "Enjoy the rest of your special needs day out".

During the text exchange, it is said Oyston told Smith to "f*** off back under whatever rock you reside under" and called the supporter "educationally subnormal" and a "sad act".

He is further reported to have told Smith that he has banned him from the club's Bloomfield Road ground for being "a p****".

Blackpool fans have reacted with fury towards Oyston and Smith called on the club's chairman to step down.

Smith said: "It's quite important the messages were released into the public domain.

"The wording and the political incorrectness that Karl put in the messages is damning.

"His reference to special needs and disabilities, as well as the generalised reference to Blackpool fans, is not befitting of anybody that runs a Football League club and certainly not someone who is a committee member of the Football League himself.

"It's poor form and it's quite clear that Karl should immediately resign as chairman of Blackpool Football Club and leave his position as a committee member of the Football League."

In a statement Oyston said sorry. He said: "I would like to unreservedly apologise for any offence or distress caused by my text responses reported in the media recently."

Oyston revealed he had received a number of abusive messages in recent weeks after his phone number was published online.

But he admitted he should not have responded to Smith with such language.

Oyston added: "I regret stooping to the level of those threatening and abusing my family.

"My mobile number was placed on a social media website recently and it led to a barrage of abuse about my mother, father, wife, children and myself.

"In hindsight the aim of this was clear, and I foolishly opted to challenge some of the abuse, harassment and threats.

"Given my position, I should have acted with more responsibility and reported the abusive text messages, phone calls and answer phone messages to the police, rather than get embroiled in such an exchange."

Oyston said he would make a donation to the club's Community Trust, which works with a number of organisations that support disabled people.

Blackpool, who were managed by Barry Ferguson last season, are rooted to the bottom of the Championship.